Donald W. Mayhew

Donald W. Mayhew, (“Pops”) age 92, of Beloit, WI passed away peacefully in his home with family on July 9, 2019. Don was born in Beloit, WI on June 17, 1927 to William (Bill) and Eva (McNamee) Mayhew.

Don grew up and attended school in Beloit, leaving the graduating class of 1945 to serve in the US Navy. The war ended while Don was on a Liberty ship in route to Shanghai, China. He was stationed there from 1945 to 1947. He married Shirley Bates on July 22, 1949 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Don operated several businesses in Beloit starting with Mayhew Maintenance Inc. janitorial services in 1949. For over 20 years his night crews could be seen cleaning floors in supermarkets, offices, and factories.  Don also opened the Mayhew “Magikist” carpet cleaner’s franchise.  The “Magikist” red lips “Kiss of Beauty Cleaning” logo on his fleet of trucks were iconic during the 1950’s & 60’s.

He later built Mayhew Carpets on Park Ave. in 1967.  He operated the business until the mid-1970’s before moving to Rockford, IL.  He retired from Carpetland USA in 2001.

Don served in community groups as president of Toastmasters, the Senior Warden on the Vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Commodore of the Star Zenith Boat Club. The current Star Zenith island clubhouse was erected during his tenure as Commodore in 1972.

His favorite pastimes included boating the Rock River, golfing, (especially with Louie) & catching muskies! He taught his sons and grandsons how to catch Wisconsin’s great State fish, and to keep his favorite spots… family secrets. In retirement, he loved the annual fall classic Musky Hunt in Eagle River with Boat Club members and rooting for the Packers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Shirley; daughter Kathy (John) Byers; son Jerry (Nancy) Mayhew and son David (Ellen) Mayhew; Grandchildren Chris (Kris), Donielle (Todd), Emily (Tony), Sommer (Richard), Richard (Anna), Tyler and 8-great grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Janet Martin and his brother Gerald Mayhew.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Gold and the staff at Beloit Regional Hospice for the great care they gave to Don.

Don's Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday July 12, 2019 in the BRIAN MARK FUNERAL HOME 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit with Chaplain Mark Maxted officiating. Friends will be received on Friday in the Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial and Full Military Burial Rites to follow the service at Floral Lawns Cemetery. Memorials may be given in his name to Beloit Regional Hospice. Please share a memory or a condolence with the Mayhew family on our website.

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